KUMKUMADI ANTI-AGEING THAILAM

Introduction

Kumkumadi Anti-Ageing Thailam by Planet Ayurveda is an Ayurvedic skincare oil designed to support healthy, radiant, and youthful-looking skin. It is inspired by the traditional principles of Ayurveda, which emphasise nourishing the skin and maintaining its natural glow. This herbal oil helps improve skin texture, enhance complexion, and maintain skin softness. Its regular use as part of a suitable skincare routine may help reduce the appearance of fine lines, dullness, and uneven skin tone. The formulation reflects the traditional Ayurvedic approach to natural beauty and skin nourishment. Kumkumadi Anti-Ageing Thailam is classically inspired by Kumkumadi Thailam, a renowned Ayurvedic oil traditionally used for skincare and complexion care. Planet Ayurveda brings this traditional inspiration into a skincare formulation focused on maintaining smooth, glowing, and healthy-looking skin.

Ancient Verse

कुङ्कुमं चन्दनं लाक्षा मञ्जिष्ठा मधुयष्टिका ।
कालीयकमुशीरञ्च पद्माकं नीलमुत्पलम् ॥
न्यग्रोधपादाः प्लक्षस्य शुङ्गाः पद्मस्य केशरम् ।
द्विपञ्चमूलसहितैः कषायैः पलिकैः पृथक् ॥
जलाढकं विपक्तव्यं पादशेषमथोद्धरेत् ।
मञ्जिष्ठा मधुकं लाक्षा पत्तङ्गमधुयष्टिके ॥
कर्षप्रमाणैरेतैस्तु तैलस्य कुडवं पचेत् ।
अजाक्षीरं द्विगुणितं शनैरग्निना पचेत् ॥
सम्यक् पक्वं परं ह्येतन्मुखवर्णप्रसादनम् ।
नीलिकापिडकाव्यङ्गानभ्यङ्गादेव नाशयेत् ॥
सप्तरात्रप्रयोगेण भवेत्काञ्चनसन्निभम् ।
कुङ्कुमाद्यमिदं तैलमश्विभ्यां निर्मितं पुरा ॥
(Bhaishajya Ratnavali Kshudrarogadhikar 112-115)

The ingredients mentioned include saffron (Crocus sativus), sandalwood (Santalum album), lac (Laccifer lacca), Indian madder (Rubia cordifolia), liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), fragrant yellow sandalwood, vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), and blue water lily (Nymphaea nouchali), along with the bark of banyan and Plaksha trees, lotus stamens, and the ten roots (Dashamoola). These ingredients are prepared as a decoction using water and reduced to one-quarter of the original quantity. Indian madder, liquorice, lac, red sandalwood, and liquorice are then added in the prescribed quantities, followed by sesame oil and twice the quantity of goat’s milk. The mixture is cooked slowly over a low flame until properly prepared. This oil is traditionally described as beneficial for improving facial complexion and is said to help reduce dark patches, pimples, and other skin discolourations when applied externally. According to the classical verse, regular application for seven nights is said to make the complexion resemble gold. This formulation, known as Kumkumadi Tailam, is traditionally attributed to the Ashwini Kumaras, the divine physicians in Ayurveda.

Ingredients

It contains the following ingredients

S. No.	Herb Used	Latin Name	Quantity
1.	Kumkum	Crocus sativus	1 part
2.	Patranga	Caesalpinia sappan	1 part
3.	Ushira	Vetiveria zizanioides	1 part
4.	Manjistha	Rubia cordifolia	1 part
5.	Padmak	Prunus puddum	1 part
6.	Kamal	Nelumbo speciosum	1 part
7.	Laksha	Laccifer lacca	1 part
8.	Daruhaldi	Berberis aristata	1 part
9.	Nagkesar	Mesua ferrea	1 part
10.	Kusum Phool	Carthamus tinctorius	1 part
11.	Riyangu	Callicarpa macrophylla	1 part
12.	Vatankur	Ficus benghalensis	1 part
13.	Madhu Malti	Hiptage madablota	1 part
14.	Bee Wax	Cera alba	1 part
15.	Sarshapa	Brassica juncea	1 part
16.	Rasna	Pluchea lanceolata	1 part
17.	Payas	Pueraria tuberosa	1 part
18.	Dashmoola	Roots of 10 herbs	1 part
19.	Til Oil	Sesamum indicum	4 parts

Benefits Of Kumkumadi Oil

Ingredients with Description

1. Saffron (Crocus sativus)

Saffron contains bioactive compounds such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal, which possess antioxidant properties. These compounds help protect skin cells from oxidative stress and support a brighter, more even-looking complexion. Its traditional use in skincare makes it a valued ingredient in formulations intended to maintain skin radiance.

2. Sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan)

Sappanwood contains brazilin and brazilein, compounds known for their antioxidant properties. These constituents help protect the skin against oxidative stress and support a healthy appearance. Its traditional use in herbal preparations makes it a useful botanical ingredient in skincare formulations focused on maintaining skin vitality.

3. Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides)

Vetiver roots contain volatile oils and aromatic compounds, including khusimol and vetiverol. These constituents contribute to its aromatic and soothing properties, while its traditional use in skincare is associated with refreshing and conditioning the skin. It helps support a comfortable skin feel when incorporated into a suitable topical formulation.

4. Indian Madder (Rubia cordifolia)

Indian madder contains anthraquinones, including alizarin and purpurin, along with other phytochemicals studied for their biological activities. Its traditional use in Ayurvedic skincare is associated with supporting a clear-looking complexion and maintaining skin health. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential makes it a valuable botanical ingredient in herbal skincare formulations.

5. Himalayan Wild Cherry (Prunus puddum)

Himalayan wild cherry contains plant polyphenols and other phytochemicals that may contribute to antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help counter oxidative stress, one of the factors associated with premature skin ageing. Its potential role in topical preparations is linked to supporting skin protection and maintaining a healthy-looking complexion.

6. Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo speciosum)

Lotus plant extracts contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. These compounds help protect skin cells from oxidative stress and support the maintenance of healthy-looking skin. Lotus is traditionally valued in beauty preparations for its skin-conditioning qualities and its association with a fresh, radiant complexion.

7. Lac (Laccifer lacca)

Lac is a natural resinous substance produced by the lac insect and contains resin components, including aleuritic acid derivatives. In topical preparations, lac-related materials contribute to the protective and film-forming properties of a formulation. Its traditional inclusion in herbal oils complements the overall formulation and its skin-conditioning qualities.

8. Indian Barberry (Berberis aristata)

Indian barberry contains berberine, an alkaloid studied for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it a valuable botanical ingredient in skincare formulations intended to support skin cleanliness and a healthy-looking complexion. Berberine’s biological activities contribute to the interest in this herb for traditional and modern herbal preparations.

9. Indian Rose Chestnut (Mesua ferrea)

Indian rose chestnut contains xanthones, flavonoids, and other phenolic compounds with potential antioxidant activity. These constituents help counter oxidative stress and support the maintenance of healthy-looking skin. The plant is traditionally used in Ayurvedic preparations, including formulations intended for skin care and complexion maintenance.

10. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)

Safflower seeds contain linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier and reduce moisture loss. Safflower flowers also contain flavonoids and pigments with antioxidant properties. These constituents contribute to skin conditioning and help maintain soft, supple skin.

11. Beautyberry (Callicarpa macrophylla)

Beautyberry contains various phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids. Some of these compounds demonstrate antioxidant activity, helping counter oxidative stress. These properties make beautyberry an interesting botanical ingredient for supporting skin health and maintaining a healthy-looking complexion.

12. Banyan Tree Buds (Ficus benghalensis)

Banyan tree buds contain natural phytochemicals, including tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenolic compounds, that contribute to their antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. These constituents help support healthy-looking skin and maintain a refreshed complexion. Their traditional use in Ayurvedic preparations makes them a valuable botanical ingredient in herbal skincare formulations.

13. Madhu Malti (Hiptage madablota)

Madhu Malti contains plant-derived phytochemicals, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, that contribute to its potential antioxidant properties. These compounds help protect the skin against oxidative stress and support a healthy, radiant appearance. Its botanical properties make it a complementary ingredient in traditional herbal skincare preparations.

14. White Beeswax (Cera alba)

White beeswax contains long-chain fatty acid esters, hydrocarbons, and other waxy substances that help form a protective layer on the skin. This layer reduces moisture loss and helps keep the skin soft and smooth. Beeswax also improves the consistency of skincare oils, making it a valuable ingredient for skin conditioning and maintaining a supple appearance.

15. Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea)

Indian mustard contains fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acids, which contribute to skin conditioning and help maintain skin softness. Its natural lipid components support the skin’s moisture barrier, helping keep it smooth and supple. When appropriately formulated, mustard oil can contribute to the nourishing properties of herbal skincare oils.

16. Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata)

Rasna contains naturally occurring phytochemicals, including flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, that contribute to its biological properties. These constituents have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Its traditional use in Ayurvedic herbal formulations adds botanical diversity to skincare preparations.

17. Indian Kudzu (Pueraria tuberosa)

Indian kudzu contains isoflavonoids and other plant compounds with antioxidant potential. These constituents help counter oxidative stress, which is associated with premature skin ageing, and may support the maintenance of healthy-looking skin. Its inclusion in traditional herbal preparations contributes to the overall botanical profile of the formulation.

18. Ten Medicinal Roots (Dashmoola)

Dashmoola is a traditional Ayurvedic combination of ten medicinal roots rather than a single herb, and its chemical composition depends on the constituent plants. These roots contain diverse phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and other plant metabolites. Their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities contribute to the overall properties of herbal formulations and support a holistic approach to skin care.

19. Sesame Oil (Sesamum indicum)

Sesame oil contains oleic acid, linoleic acid, sesamin, sesamol, and tocopherols. Its fatty acids help condition the skin and support its moisture barrier, while its antioxidant compounds help protect against oxidative stress. As a traditional Ayurvedic base oil, sesame oil also helps distribute other ingredients and maintain skin softness, smoothness, and suppleness.

Indications of Kumkumadi Anti-Ageing Thailam

• Dull and uneven skin tone
• Dark spots and pigmentation
• Pimples and blemishes
• Uneven complexion
• Dry and rough skin
• Fine lines and signs of ageing
• Loss of natural skin radiance
• Skin tanning and discolouration
• Improving skin softness and texture
• Maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion

Benefits of Kumkumadi Anti-Ageing Thailam

Promotes a Radiant Complexion

Helps improve the appearance of dull skin and supports a naturally glowing, refreshed look.

Supports Even Skin Tone

Helps improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation, dark spots, and blemishes for a more uniform complexion.

Nourishes and Moisturises the Skin

Helps maintain skin hydration, softness, and suppleness, leaving the skin feeling smooth and nourished.

Supports Healthy Skin Texture

Helps improve the appearance of rough and tired-looking skin, promoting a smoother and more refined complexion.

Helps Reduce Visible Signs of Ageing

Supports the appearance of smoother skin and helps minimise the visibility of fine lines associated with ageing.

Provides Antioxidant Support

Contains plant-derived compounds with antioxidant properties that help protect the skin against oxidative stress.

Maintains the Skin’s Moisture Barrier

Helps reduce moisture loss and supports the skin’s natural protective barrier.

Supports Blemish-Prone Skin

Helps maintain a clearer-looking complexion as part of a suitable skincare routine.

Enhances Skin Softness and Elasticity

Regular moisturising helps keep the skin supple and improves its overall appearance.

Promotes Youthful-Looking Skin

Combines traditional Ayurvedic skincare principles with nourishing herbal ingredients to support a healthy, smooth, and vibrant complexion.

Directions for Use

Cleanse the face and pat dry. Apply 10–15 drops of Kumkumadi Anti-Ageing Thailam and gently massage into the skin. Leave it on for at least 10–15 minutes. For best results, leave it overnight and wash your face the following morning.

Special Instructions

Perform a patch test before use to check skin compatibility and suitability.

Modern Researches

The study titled “Clinical Evaluation of Kumkumadi Taila on Facial Skin Health” investigated the effects of this traditional Ayurvedic facial oil on various skin parameters. The 15-day study involving 30 healthy adults demonstrated a significant reduction in the melanin and erythema indices, suggesting improvements in skin pigmentation and facial redness. Phytochemical analysis identified bioactive compounds that may contribute to the oil’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Skin hydration showed some fluctuations, while skin thickness and transepidermal water loss remained stable during the study period. Changes in skin elasticity were also observed. No adverse events were reported among the participants during the study. These findings provide preliminary scientific support for the traditional use of Kumkumadi Taila in skincare, particularly for its potential skin-brightening and redness-reducing effects. Overall, Kumkumadi Taila appears promising as a topical skincare formulation, but larger and well-controlled clinical studies are needed to further establish its effectiveness and long-term safety.

Conclusion

Kumkumadi Anti-Ageing Thailam by Planet Ayurveda combines traditional Ayurvedic skincare principles with the nourishing properties of herbal ingredients to support healthy, radiant, and youthful-looking skin. Inspired by the classical Kumkumadi Thailam formulation, this facial oil helps moisturise the skin, improve its appearance, and maintain a smooth and glowing complexion. Its herbal ingredients offer antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties that complement a regular skincare routine. With appropriate and consistent use, Kumkumadi Anti-Ageing Thailam can be a valuable addition to a natural skincare regimen focused on maintaining skin softness, radiance, and overall appearance.